Encapsulated photosensitive drugs by biodegradable microcapsules to incapacitate cancer cells

Abstract

A hydrophobic photodynamic therapy drug, hypocrellin B (HB), was accumulated in water-solubilized natural polyelectrolyte microcapsules. The HB can be effectively encapsulated, delivered and subsequently taken up by cancer cells. These intracellular HB-loaded microcapsules show biocompatibility under darkness and high cytotoxicity after irradiation which provides the possibility of controlled delivery and release of drugs.